Margaret was born on November 12, 1751 near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
In 1772 she married John Corbin a Virginia farmer. Three years later John enlisted in the First Company of the Pennsylvania Artillery under the command of Captain Thomas Proctor. Margaret followed along.
On November 16, 1776 the British and Hessians mounted a joint attack on Fort Washington in northern Manhattan. John was killed instantly when a Hessian musket ball found its mark.
Margaret stepped into John's place by cleaning, loading and firing the cannon with such skill and vigor that she caught the attention of the officers and men of Cochran's company as one of the deadliest gunners who opposed the Hessians as they approached the hill. Because of her aim and accuracy Margaret's position drew the attention of the ten field cannons of the Hessians. This event had given her the recognition as the first woman soldier in the American Army.
Margaret was severely wounded with 3 musket balls and grapeshot. Her left arm was almost severed by these wounds, her chest had been mangled and her jaw was badly lacerated. Molly was spared being bayoneted.
Margaret Cochran Corbin, during the British-Hessian attack on Fort Washington 16 November 1776, was wounded when she filled the post of her husband John Corbin who was killed while loading artillery. The first woman to fight as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. She is buried at West Point.
There is a plaque cast by the Daughters of the American Revolution and is within the Holyrood Church on Fort Washington Avenue and 179th Street. It reads: To the glory of God and in patriotic remembrance of Margaret Corbin at the Battle of Fort Washington November 16, 1776. She stood by her husband John Corbin artilleryman during the Hessian assault and after he was killed she served his gun until she was wounded.
Erected by the Mary Washington Colonial Chapter April 3, 1902.
Ref:
Read more about Margaret Cochran Corbin here:
Hudson Heights Owners Coalition
Women In The Revolution, by Tina Ann Nyugen